How Many Syllables In Alligator?
4syllables
Alligator has 4 syllables, all-i-ga-tor. It is a polysyllabic word.
alligator
/ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tə/ UK /ˈæl.ə.ɡeɪ.t̬ɚ/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, all.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CV/CV
Division By Sound
/æl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tə/
Division By Letters
all-i-ga-tor
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Alligator
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | – | æ | l | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 | ɡ | eɪ | – | CV | open |
| 4 | t | ə | – | CV | open |
Why Alligator Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /ɡ/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 3 and 4, /t/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in alligator?
Alligator has 4 syllables, all-i-ga-tor. In British English it is transcribed /ˈæl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tə/.
Which syllable is stressed in alligator?
The first syllable, all, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of alligator?
Alligator has the structure VC/V/CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide alligator into syllables?
By sound, æl.ɪ.ɡeɪ.tə. By letters, as a spelling guide, all-i-ga-tor.